Click on image for article page
Grace Road Food Company at Deuba was established as an extension of Grace Road Church of Korea. Its objective and aspiration is to fulfil rice import substitution in Fiji.
In order to execute this endeavour, however, it proved necessary to create an environment where rice farming is suitable.
The company saw it necessary to establish an agricultural institution which can educate and support various agricultural knowledge and technology.
Executive director, Daniel Kim, said their aim is to have this institution not only for farmers, but have it grow to be an educational centre that benefits local communities.
The company will invest $4 million in the institution. The funds will be sourced through the foundation in Korea.
Mr Kim said this entire project is being done in partnership with Deuba Mataqali.
The core curriculum of the institution will be teaching the Bible. Then the curriculum will spread out to subjects such as agriculture, engineering, computer science, foreign language, and various vocational classes including hair styling and fashion.
“Currently, the land to establish a school has been provided and this project is expected to launch immediately after the approval from the Ministry of Education,” Mr Kim said.
Future investments
Mr Kim further confirmed they will be adding to the $4 million investment and the rice farming project is also expected to take up a large part of the education.
“We are basically planting a variety of rice, vegetables, and fruits,” he said.
“Not only will we help the growth of farming in Viti Levu, but also plan to expand our project towards Vanua Levu.
“We forecast milling factories and grain storage to be located at both islands.
“We truly want to create an environment in which many farmers can grow rice in Fiji for rice import substitution.”
Support for small scale farmers
Mr Kim said they have also established a company called ‘The Seed’ to help support and encourage small scale farmers in improving their field cultivation for better crops.
“We plan to improve rice varieties and share the field based research studies,” he said.